
Glass3V&<£rtfe 

Book tC^IT^ 

Copyright^? 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



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OD.i'TpVE 




Col George R Clarke 



Sarah D Clarke 



founders of— 

tacGiraiioNl 



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iiiiiiii 



The Founding of 

Pacific Garden Mission 



OVER THIRTY- FIVE YEARS Contributed to 
THE MASTER'S SERVICE 



By SARAH D. CLARKE 



a 

€ 



Copyright 1914 

by 

The Bronson Canode Printing Company 

Ch icago 



LC Control Number 




tmp96 



030348 



JAN 25 1915 
$ \ 

©CU391573 



To the Sacred Memory of 

MY DEAR HUSBAND 

this Book is Affectionately Dedicated 

This world is very lonely, dear, 
Since Paradise has called you there: 

No loving touch, no words to cheer, 
Nor all my joys nor sorrows shate. 






A Few Incidents from 
Daily Life 

I N the year 1910, at the solicitation 
of a friend, was persuaded to 
give a little sketch of my life, and 
the founding of Pacific Garden 
Mission, thinking it might encour- 
age — SOME — anxious heart, long- 
ing to be more used in the Master's 
service, I did so. 

But the busy responsibilities of 
daily life prevented me from put- 
ting it in print, 'til the year 1914, 
being disenabled by an accident, 
availed myself of this opportunity. 



^PQ 



Was born November 13, 1835, in 
Cayuga County, New York — had 
the advantages of Sunday School, 
and from youth, longed to become a 
Christian, (having no knowledge of 
cards, theatres, or the dance) but 
no one ever asked me personally 
about the interests of my soul until 
the year 1855, when returning from 
Wilkesbarre seminary with a friend, 
while on the platform of Scranton 
Depot, about to separate, asked me 
if I would " give my heart to God." 
I then— and there— said I WOULD, 
— which was the beginning of my 
Christian life. 

A few years later — in 1861, moved 
to Waterloo, Iowa — where I received 
a God given message, controlling 



l 10 ) 



the whole trend of my future life. 

Was faithful in all my church re- 
lations, but never knew the value of 
consecrated time — until the comple- 
tion of an elaborate piece of work 
for the decoration of our family 
home, when an audible voice seemed 
to speak from Heaven, saying: 
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO 
DECORATE YOUR HEAVENLY 
HOME?" 

This soul-penetrating question so 
impressed me with time's sacred 
value — God's precious time — 
God's priceless time, being spent on 
earthly adornments that would per- 
ish — when souls won for the Master 
would adorn the Heavenly Man- 
sion through all the cycles of 
eternity. 



( 11 ) 






The recognition of this stupend- 
ous fact, placed such a premium on 
time — such a value on souls — that 
it at once became the all absorbing 
and consuming passion of my life, 
and the agencies that have been set 
in motion, are still multiplying their 
influences in the world today — that 
will live — on and on — yes on — 
and — on — forever. 

Moving to Chicago a few years 
later, supposed I must conform to 
city customs, but when trying to 
make so called " fashionable " calls, 
began to remonstrate with my con- 
science in spending time so unsatis- 
factory — it seemed so perfunctory 
— only an empty void — so changing 
my attire — visited some poor fami- 

( 12 ) 



lies and in ministering to their needs 
found such a real soul satisfaction — 
such a consciousness of God's ap- 
proval — that I was at once con- 
vinced my mission in life had been 
revealed. 

Soon after, having a large num- 
ber of poor families on my list, 
joined with others in starting a 
MISSION SUNDAY SCHOOL in 
1869, at the corner of State and 
Twenty-third Streets. 

While thus engaged, Mr. Clarke 
appeared on the scene. 



( 13 ) 






He was born February 22, 1827, in 
Otsego County, New York; gradu- 
ated at Beloit College, Wisconsin; 
was chosen principal of the Milton 
Academy, edited a paper called 
(Sauk County Stan dard) also 
studied law, and in 1853 was admit- 
ted to the bar — later turning his at- 
tention to real estate spent two 
years in Colorado among the miners, 
where a combination of events were 
the means of his conversion. 

When on the eve of participating 
in a questionable business transac- 
tion— PROVIDENCE DIVINELY 
interposed through the remem- 
brance of his sainted Mother's pray- 
ers, not only awakening his consci- 
ence to the penalty of such a trans- 
gression, but the enormity of sin in 
God's sight, so convicting him — his 
purpose was averted. 



( 14 ) 



And with great agony of con- 
science he repented before the Lord 
until he had the assurance of for- 
giveness through the DIVINE 
ATONEMENT of the LORD 
JESUS CHRIST. 

When the war broke out in 1860, 
he returned to Chicago, secured re- 
cruits for the 113th Illinois Volun- 
teers, was made Captain of the 
Company — promoted to Major, then 
to Lieutenant Colonel, and at the 
close of the war returning to Chi- 
cago, resumed real estate activities, 
and through a business transaction, 
formed his acquaintance, and in — 
January 23, 1873, we were married. 



( 15 ) 



Wmmmm^msmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm^s^ 






He remained a Christian — al- 
though still clinging to some of the 
fashionable indulgences of the 
world — but through the influence 
of the little — Mission Sunday 
School — began to consider the 
deeper things of life — his example 
and influence as a Christian, and 
the expenses formerly indulged in 
for Cuban cigars to entertain his 
guests, and other expenses in pro- 
portion, soon found a place in the 
Lord's treasury, and he became an 
active worker in HIS VINEYARD. 

He had always intended to be as- 
sociated in some prominent enter- 
prise in the Lord's cause, where his 
name could be engraven on marble 
— or granite — but the Lord had a 

( 16 ) 



higher degree of honor, where his 
name might be engraven on the tab- 
let of human hearts — where it 
would be imperishable and live for- 
ever. 

Fortunes came and went 

but not until the great Chicago fire 
in 1871, causing most of the church- 
es to locate in the outskirts of the 
city, leaving Gambling Halls, Sa- 
loons and Brothels to infest the de- 
serted district it was at this 

juncture — an open door seemed 
needed, where the neglected masses 
might find refuge, and in 1877, at 
386 South Clark Street, the first — 
RESCUE MISSION — in the 
Northwest was borne into existence. 

< 17 , 







3J8 SOUTI 




£ STREET. 



A little room with seating capac- 
ity of about forty — a few wooden 
benches, a wheezy organ — some 
home-made mottoes, and oil lamps 
hanging on the side walls — com- 
prised our paraphernalia. 

Saloons on either side with their 
banjos and accompanying instru- 
ments was a great combination — 
however — we held the fort — Mr. 
Clarke preached — and I tried to 
keep crooked men straight. 

But such a coming and going was 
never seen before. Order — Heav- 
en's "first law" — had never been 
injected in their minds and it took 
the wisdom of Solomon to separate 
the drunken men and keep that 
crowd in order. 



( 20 ) 




However, curiosity was soon sat- 
isfied, and when we had found favor 
with the audience good results fol- 
lowed. Four professed conversion, 
three giving evidence of a definite 
work of grace. 

This was an indication of God's 
approval. 

Christian workers began to come 
in — missions began to multiply, not 
only in the city, but throughout the 
country, until now there is no end. 

Many noted Evangelists and mis- 
sion workers, such as, 

Rev. W. A. Sunday, America's 
renowned Evangelist; — 

Rev. Melvin E. Trotter, famous 
for establishing Rescue Missions 
(has now over forty under his 
supervision) ; — 

( 21 ) 



Harry Monroe, with his God- 
given talent for mission work, has 
had charge of the meetings at the 
Mission since Mr. Clarke's decease. 
And a multitude of others, scattered 
all over the world, occupying places 
of great responsibility and prom- 
inence, both as ordained Ministers, 
Evangelists, and Christian workers. 

Over 30 blessed years of prison 
work — and nearly the same time 
of hospital visitation — and all 
other departments of Christian work 
has been maintained under the 
supervision of the Mission. 

Chicago's first free kindergarden 
was established at the Mission. 






< 22 ) 






I 



Now As to Finances 

One look backward causes me to 
marvel, when I think of the vicis- 
situde through which the Mission 
has passed — it's testings and tri- 
umphs — it's struggles and victories 
will never be known, until the RE- 
CORDING ANGEL reveals the 
secret record. 

Nothing in sight at this time to 
mn a mission — finances at a low 
ebb — but we had a rich Father and 
we trusted Him. 

"He who marks the sparrow's 
fall," has always shielded us in times 
of storm. 

We struggled on for a season, 
with persistent self-denial, until the 



( 23 ) 



• 






thought impressed us that the in- 
dulgences of former years (in the 
days of plenty) could be disposed of, 
to be a great auxiliary to the work, 
so we placed ALL upon the altar — 
all of our jewelery, of every descrip- 
tion, Diamonds, and other valued 
presents, (with associations, too 
sacred to mention) — all alike was 
given to the Lord, for His cause — 
and for souls. 

The Lord blessed this consecra- 
tion, in presenting an opportunity 
whereby Mr. Clarke, having knowl- 
edge of mining operations, could 
engage in an investment where 
he realized means sufficient to 
adjust his business matters, and 
run the Mission for nearly ten years. 

( 24 ) 




When another crisis came, where 
for months, it seems the doors 
must be closed * * * but the 
Mission having found favor with the 
public, financial aid finally came to 
our relief, and to whom, the Mission 
is still financially, practically in- 
debted. 




( 25 ) 






The Mission's Great 
Loss 

For fifteen years Mr. Clarke and 
myself were permitted to labor side 
by side in this blessed work, until 
June 22, 1892, the Recording Angel 
summoned him to his Eternal Man- 
sion — the Mission sustaining a 
great loss. 

But his sainted memory still lives. 
"ABSENT yet SPEAKETH," for 
their works do follow them — 
"Kind words and deeds will never 
die/' and many will rise up at that 
last "great day" to call him 
"blessed." 



( 26 ) 



(A little Ode, zvritten on his 63rd birthday 
shows the natural trend of his great, loving 
heart.) 



Ode to My Beloved Wife on 
My Sixty-third Birthday 



I'm sixty-three today, dear wife, 
How quickly time has sped, 

The larger part of childhood's friends, 
Lie mouldering with the dead; 

But since our paths of life were joined. 
A happy life I've led. 

I've marched along with you, dear wife, 
Our steps with knee to knee, 

My heart enrapted with you, my dear, 
And your warm heart with me; 

For thus, dear wife, it ever should, 
With married people be. 

I 27 ) 






A truer wife than you have been, 
Since we were joined IN ONE, 

Ne'er sat beneath the moon's pale light, 
Or walked beneath the sun; 

I well might say till then, dear wife, 
My life had not begun. 



'Tis true it has not been, dear wife, 
All "rose without a thorn," 

How could it be, since we were wed, 
On such a stormy morn ; 

And yet the many cares of life, 
Have all been sweetly borne. 



No child has graced our wedded life, 

In all these passing years, 
Nor have we nights of vigil kept, 

O'er such with anxious fears ; 
Nor death has filled for us a cup, 

With sorrow and with tears. 



( 28 ) 



Not oft we've sat around our hearth, 

On winter's stormy night, 
To look upon the glowing coals, 

Of fires burning bright, 
But trust we've brought to darken'd hearts, 

A little more of light. 



The pleasure-seeking world, my dear, 

To us has been unknown, 
As year by year away from it, 

We steadily have grown; 
And yet, dear wife, apart from it, 

We ne'er have lived alone. 



In living thus for others, dear, 

We've found a solace sweet, 
As we have tried to lesson some 

The tramp of weary feet ; 
And caused some aching hearts, I trust, 

More cheerfully to beat. 

( 29 ) 



We have not traveled far from home, 

While traveling every day, 
Nor have we seen the wondrous sights, 

Of countries far away; 
But we have homeward led again 

Some feet which went astray. 



We've worshiped not in churches grand, 

Or sat in cushioned pews, 
But we have told to sinful men, 

The Gospel ! Blessed neivs ; 
And filled with holy oil I trust, 

Some widow's empty cruise. 



Not much have we to leave the world, 

Of silver and of gold, 
Nor large estate, nor titled names, 

Of lineage grand and old; 
Nor have we lived a selfish life, 

With hardened hearts and cold. 

( 30 ) 















But then, dear wife, I trust we leave, 

A little brighter place, 
In some once darkened hearts on earth, 

(Before they saw our face), 
Which more than wealth or fame, my dear, 

May benefit our race. 



The blessed Lord who loves us, dear, 

Has very faithful been, 
To knit our hearts together, love, 

And keep our pathway green; 
And all along His guiding hand, 

In everything is seen. 



There's no such thing as growing old, 

To loving hearts and true, 
Each year has brought a sweeter joy, 

To me, my dear, and you; 
To us the oft recurring years, 

Bring always something new. 

( 31 ) 



We've climbed the hill together, dear, 
And passed the summit o'er, 

Not far ahead we see the light, 
Of Bulah's happy shore; 

Soon we shall see the face of Him, 
Our hearts so much adore. 



And when the night of death comes on, 
Perhaps "the white winged dove," 

May bear our souls together, dear, 
To live with Christ above ; 

And share together with His saints, 
The treasures of His love. 



And He may grant us then to see, 
The good that we have done, 

The many happy souls that we, 
To Him perhaps have won, 

As at his pierced feet we lay 
The golden sheaves all down. 

( 32 ) 



So let us plod along, dear wife, 

As we are wont to go, 
And scatter seeds of kindness, dear. 

On saddened hearts below, 
And trust the Lord to gather in 

The harvest that we sow. 

Col. George R. Clarke. 
Chicago, Feb. 22, 1890. 




( 33 ) 



Eighteen long years have passed 
since his decease, with its multi- 
plicity of cares, borne — (humanly 
speaking) — ALONE — but marvel- 
ously sustained by Divine Grace. 

God's Providential care in all the 
midnight journeys — preservation of 
health — through Divine interposi- 
tion miraculous strength was given 
to overcome the trivial bodily ail- 
ments, enabling me to be in attend- 
ance at the Mission over six thou- 
sand consecutive nights. 

A few verses from the "inner- 
life," dedicated to his sacred memory 
some years after his decease — still 
retain a living place in my heart. 



( 34 ) 



■ .':/,: 



J 






A Tribute 

Sacred to the Memory of 

My Dear Husband 

This world is very lonely, dear, 

Since Paradise has called you there; 

No loving touch, no words to cheer, 
Nor all my joys and sorrows share. 

I list in vain for the tread of feet, 

And long for a touch of the "vanished 
hand;" 

But no loving form is it mine to greet, 
Since called to join the Celestial band. 

The journey now I tread alone, 
Bereft of all my loved ones here, 

Whom the Lord has gathered round His 
throne, 
To be forever with Him there. 

( 35 ) 



£ 



Angelic hosts are hovering near, 
To guard me safely every hour, 

But cannot speak those world so dear, 
That human lips, can clothe with power. 

No one to greet at "early morn;' 

No one to say the fond "good night," 
No one to meet me at the door. 

With loving heart and face so bright. 

The lonely days, the months, the years, 
Are only known to Him on high, 

For He who "bottles all our tears," 
Has numbered every secret sigh. 

I'm coming soon to meet you, dear, 
The journey now is almost o'er, 

A few more sheaves to gather here, 
We'll meet up there to part no more. 

Sarah D. Clarke. 
Chicago, 1910. 

( 36 ) 






Reminiscences 

In the days of long ago, when 
Evangelist D. W. Potter had charge 




of the meetings a night each week 



( 37 ) 



at the Mission, and under whose 
ministry so many were converted, 
Harry Monroe, being one of the 




number, who has been such a faith- 
ful watchman on the walls of Zion, 
"Not keeping his peace day nor 
night." 



i 









1 




When dear Brother and Sister 
Elderkin favored us, singing the 
precious Gospel, seeming to bring 
Heaven a little nearer through the 
melody of their "elysian song." 

When our faithful Brother, Tony 
Delight, with his fresh zeal and 
spirited testimony moved so many 
to new purposes of life. 



( 39 ) 



When Hon. J. V. Farwell with his 
inspiration and enthusiasm would 




arouse people to the mighty possi- 
bilities of the Gospel. 



( 40 ) 



When our beloved Bro. Dwight L. 

Moody, who named the Mission 




"PACIFIC GARDEN," said it was 
the "greatest on earth" — and in his 



( 41 ) 






marvelous way would tell the Old — 
Old Story of "Jesus and His saving 
grace." 

Those * * were Halcyon days * * 
long to be remembered and while 
many of them have been called to 
that "invisible sphere" — to swell the 
Anthem of Praise to our Great 
Redeemer — "over there" — others 
have been raised up to fill the ranks 
in Immanuel's Brigade down here, 
winning new trophies for the Mas- 
ter all along the way, as we have 
been journeying on to meet them in 
that Celestial City — where 

The-re-ll b-ee no par-r-ting there 
The-re-11 b-ee no parting there ; 
In Heaven above — where all is love — 
Th-e-re-11 b-ee no par-r-ting there. 

( 42 ) 



A VOLUME 









might be written here — where thou- 
sands upon thousands of expe- 
riences will live green in memory, as 
long as Eternity lasts. 

It would require a Graphic pen to 
enumerate all the incidents, events 
and marvelous conversions that 
have taken place during the past. 

I am not equal to the task — so will 
only answer a few questions that 
have been so often asked — insert a 
few items that are still fresh in my 
mind — and then include a few auto- 
biographies of some of the oldest 
converts — whose lives have been 
before the world and would be a bet- 
ter commentator than any human 
exposition could give. 






( 43 ) 



Do You Ever Get 
Discouraged? 

Has been the question often asked. 

That word was never in our vo- 
cabulary. In the early history of the 
Mission railroad accommodations 
were very scarce. A Dummy train 
morning and evening, with a mid- 
night train on the main line (con- 
veying us some distance from our 
home was all that was accessible.) 

On this occasion had been tramp- 
ing in the rain and slush all day, tak- 
ing our late train as usual, at the 
midnight hour, obliged then to walk 
nearly two miles from the train 
to our home, in a terrific storm, 
facing a heavy sleeting hail and rain 



( 44 ) 






all the way — when about entering 
the house found his satanic majesty 
on hand, and with a slight reminder 
on the shoulder, and with a modest 
voice said, 

"Does it pay?" 

"YES," I very emphatically re- 
plied, "I'd walk ten miles — or all 
night — if I could be the means of 
winning a soul." 

That insinuation never accosted 
us again. 

Disappointments have been many 



But discouragement NEVER. 



( 45 ) 



A Demonstrated Fact 

When finances were not a plenty 
— but demands for lodgings very 
great — all had been disposed of 
on the occasion, then discussions 
arose about the propriety (under the 
circumstances) of the benevolence; 
but no arbitrator was needed the 
next morning to decide the question, 
when we beheld our home garden 
nearly covered with mushrooms (a 
little in advance of the season) and 
when they were gathered and pre- 
pared for market, sold for a suffi- 
cient income to replace the expendi- 
tures of the previous night. 

No mushrooms were ever seen 
there before — 

Nor any since. 

( 46 ) 






Saved by a Kiss 

Saved by a kiss, was the contents 
of a letter received in 1906. I im- 
mediately wrote for an explanation 
— reply as follows: 



McCrory, Ark., Jan. 8, 1906. 
Dear Mrs. Clarke: 

/ am the girl referred to. I lived in the 
South, my mother had a large family. I 
had a stepfather and we did not agree 
very well, so I went North. While in 
Chicago I got a nail in my foot and had 
to go to the County Hospital. Workers 
called on me, but made little impression. 
I was a mischevious girl, so one day I 
said, "Now I'll just watch THAT worker 
and see if her religion is broad enough to 
cover that Street girl" (just a few cots 
from me). She talked with her — then 

( 47 ) 






prayed with her there — giving her some 
tracts and before she went away, LO ! — 
and — behold, she stooped down and 
"KISSED" her. "That's what opened the 
door of my heart." 

There, now, I said, if that woman could 
KISS that Magdalene, all covered with 
SIN, that's the kind of religion I want — 
and sure enough, I got it. 

(Signed) Minnie Proulx. 

A long letter followed, and subse- 
quent letters proved she had mar- 
ried, returned to the South, and had 
been an Evangel of Mercy to other 
young girls, gathering them in Sun- 
day School and was a blessing to all 
who knew her. 



< 48 ) 



Nothing Ever Done in 
Vain for the Lord 

A man passing out of the Mission 
too delirious to be reasoned with — 
a Testament was slipped in the in- 
side of his coat pocket and lodged 
by the side of his whiskey flask. 
Next morning he found his flask 
broken and a Testament in its place. 
On the fly-leaf was written, "From 
one who is praying for you." This 
reminded him of his sainted mother 
who had for years been praying for 
him, and the memory was too sacred 
to be forgotten. After considering 
it for days he finally yielded to his 
conviction and came back to the 
Mission to thank us for the Testa- 
ment. 

( 49 ) 






Another Instance 

A man passing by the Mission had 
a curiosity to see what was going on 
inside. The windows being too 
frosty to see through he climbed up 
the gas pole in front of the mission 
and looking over the door, under the 
transom, he saw in the front end this 
text of scripture painted on the wall : 
"The Son of Man came to seek and 
save them that are lost." The 
object had been accomplished. This 
passage of scripture had its mission 
for him. It was written so indelibly 
on his mind that he had no peace of 
mind nor rest until he was willing to 
accept of the conditions, and finally 
became a Christian, which he after- 
ward gave his testimony to in the 
Mission. 

( 50) 






A Remarkable Conversion 
in Prison 

One very warm, sultry Sunday 
afternoon, Aug. 7, 1880, some would 
have said, "What is the use of going 
to the jail such a hot day as this?" — 
but in cell 79 there stood one of the 
most forlorn, discouraged, broken- 
hearted specimens of humanity eyes 
ever looked upon. It seemed the 
very blackness of darkness loomed 
up before him. He needed no intro- 
duction, but relief. When told no 
one but God could help him — how 
soon he was found on bended knees 
seeking Divine aid. 

After a season of prayer, if you 
could have seen how the darkness 






( 51 ) 



faded into light, the deliverance of 
Satan's thrall into freedom and lib- 
erty, you would have said "How 
marvelous!! How wonderful!!" 

Unconsciously, when rising to his 
feet, he turned for his tobacco; then 
said, "No ! !" I must never touch this 
weed again." Thanksgiving and 
praise was then the expression of 
his heart. A Divine halo seemed to 
illuminate the very atmosphere sur- 
rounding him. 

This man developed into a mar- 
velous Christian character. Loyalty, 
— Love — and Devotion seemed to 
be the dominant Christian graces 
controlling his life. For 24 years he 
occupied high positions of honor in 
Christian service, leaving a name 



( 52 ) 






and influence on record that time 
can never efface. 

On June 12, 1912, he was called to 
the "higher sphere" to be forever 
with his blessed Redeemer, whom he 
learned to worship so devoutly on 
earth. 






( 53 ) 




Autobiographies 




Rev. Wm. A. Sunday, Famous 
Ex-Baseball Player 

Fifteen years ago one Sunday night I 
walked down State street, Chicago, in com- 

( 54) 






party with several baseball players, whose 
names were world-renowned, some of 
whom are now dead. We entered a saloon, 
drank, and passed on to the corner of 
State and VanBuren, where Siegel & 
Cooper's store now stands. There was a 
company of men and women singing. We 
sat on the curbstone and listened. I had 
heard those songs from mother back in 
Iowa, in the Methodist Sunday School in 
Ames, Iowa, and God painted on the can- 
vas of my memory the scenes and recol- 
lections of other days and faces. I bowed 
my head in shame and the tears rolled 
down my cheeks like rivers of water. 
When the song was ended, "Where is my 
wandering boy to-night," the leader, Col. 
Clarke of Pacific Garden Mission, said, 
"Come, boys, down to the Mission and 
listen to the speaking and singing." I 
arose and said, "Boys, good-by, I'm done 
with this way of living," and went to the 

( 55 ) 



Mission ; went every night for two weeks. 
One night Mrs. Col. Clarke invited me 
forward to the altar. I went and pro 
fessed faith in Christ. 

I did not join a church immediately and 
there made my first great mistake. I af- 
terwards went to the Y. M. C. A. and 
met L. W. Messer, general secretary, who 
urged me to join a church. One night I 
entered Jefferson Park Presbyterian 
church, Chicago, and presented myself for 
membership and was accepted, in which 
church today I have the honor of being 
an elder. 

At the time I made my profession to live 
a Christian I was a member of the Chi- 
cago National League baseball club. I had 
an agreement with Arlie Latham of the 
St. Louis Browns to run a foot-race on 
Sunday in St. Louis at the close of the 
season for the championship of the base- 
ball profession in the United States. I 

( 56 ) 



tried to get out of it, but could not, so 
went, ran on Sunday and won the race (I, 
a church member). I was ordered before 
the session, where I publicly expressed my 
sorrow for this sin ; but never since have I 
given occasion for rebuke. 



The next morning after joining the 
church an article appeared in each of the 
Chicago papers about it, so all the mem- 
bers of the ball club knew of it. I dreaded 
to report for practice that day for fear of 
the ridicule and cynical reception the boys 
would give me. I would rather have 
faced a six-shooter, but I went and the 
first man to meet me was Mike Kelly. 
With a heart as tender as a woman's (he 
is dead now) he took me by the hand 
and said : "That's a grand thing to do, 
'Bill.' If I can help you let me know." 
Then Cap. Anson, Ed. Williamson, Fred 

( 57 ) 



Pfeffer, Frank Flint, Jno. Clarkson, Tom 
Burns and Dalrymple all gave me words of 
encouragement, so my fears were un- 
founded. If they forgot and swore in 
my presence they would immediately ask 
my pardon. 

That afternoon we played Detroit. The 
score was close. The last half of the ninth 
inning was being played. Two men were 
out, man on second, one on third. Charley 
Bennett was at bat. He had two strikes 
and three balls called on him. I was play- 
ing right field. Charley hit the last ball a 
terrific blow. It started for the club-house. 
I turned and ran with the ball. Benches 
had been placed in the field for spectators, 
and as I saw the ball was going over the 
crowd I called "get out of the way." The 
crowd opened. I offered up a prayer and 
said, "Lord, if You ever helped mortal man, 
help me get that ball." I leaped the bench, 
looked over my shoulder, threw out my 

( 58 ) 



hand and the ball struck and stuck. The 
game was ours. 

I am sure the Lord helped me catch that 
ball. This deduction may not be accord- 
ing to theology, but it's according to expe- 
rience. Al. Johnson, brother of Tom, the 
present mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, ran up 
and handed me $10, and said, "Buy a new 
hat. That catch won me $1,500." 

During the winter months I attended 
Northwestern University at Evanston, 
where I picked up some Methodist enthus- 
iasm and vim to counteract the stiff, staid 
Presbyterianism. A few years later I left 
the baseball profession, accepted the posi- 
tion of assistant secretary of the Chicago 
Y. M. C. A., where I remained three years. 
When I resigned it was to travel with Rev. 
J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., then engaged in 
evangelistic work. I was associated with 
him for two years, until he left the evange- 
listic field and returned to the pastorate. J 

( 59 ) 






i 



then started out for myself, and during 
those six years I have never wanted for a 
place to go to preach the gospel. God has 
opened hundreds of places to which I did 
not have the time to go. All I am today 
as an evangelist I owe to Dr. Chapman and 
to Prof. R. R. Lloyd, of Oakland Theo- 
logical Seminary, with whom I studied 
privately. 

Chicago, 111., September, 1902. 



v 60 ) 



Rev. Melvin E. Trotter, Sup't 

City Rescue Mission, 

Grand Rapids, Mich. 

The Pacific Garden Mission means 
everything to me. I consider the brightest 




spot in all Chicago is at 100 East Van 
Buren street. Every time I go to Chicago 

( 61 ) 



■ ■ 









the first place I start for is the old Mission 
and find the spot at the altar where five 
years ago last January, on the 19th day, 
Jesus spoke peace to my soul, and if I had 
the power to tell what a great change has 
come into my life since that time it would 
read more like fiction than truth. 

I was without home and friends, bound 
hand and foot by the awful curse of in- 
temperance; whiskey had been my God 
for years. I had tried as few men have 
tried to get away from it. Resolution 
after resolution failed; promise after 
promise was broken. One time when in 
deep trouble, death in the home, I prom- 
ised my good wife that whiskey should 
never pass my lips again, but within three 
hours this solemn pledge was broken. 
Struggle as I would I kept getting lower 
and lower, until at last I gave up in de- 
spair, left my old home in trouble, leaving 



C 02 ) 









J 






behind wife and all that was dear to me, 

and went into the gutter. 

The darkest night of all my life I went 

into the Pacific Garden Mission and there 

heard the precious story of love ; heard 

that Jesus loved the drunkard. When the 

invitation was given I raised my hand for 

prayer and Jesus was pointed out to me 

by Harry Monroe as a living Savior, and 

- 
the light of God shone in my soul, and I 

had a glimpse of Jesus. I have never lost 

that vision, and today He is precious to 

me and grows more precious every day. 

I have been self-supporting from that 

moment, never costing a man one penny. 

I went to work the next morning, and 

have been working hard ever since that 

I might have to give to those who are in 

need. Three years ago the Lord called 

me out of business, in which I was very 

successful, to go into His work. He has 

wonderfully blessed me and prospered me 

( 63 )• 



here, and I have been able by His precious 
love and grace to point thousands of lost 
souls to Him. 

We preach that Jesus died for all, and 
we are not afraid to take the worst pos- 
sible case of sin and drunkenness to Him 
and expect immediate results, for when He 
comes in whiskey goes out. II Cor. 5:17. 

May the old Mission live until Jesus 
comes, when the Lord shall gather all 
around His throne. 



( 64 ) 



A Marvelous Transformation 

"After a criminal life for more than 40 
years, having served time in different 
penitentiaries for burglary and as a noto- 
rious safe blower, I landed in Chicago, 
went down to the Central station to see if 




THE OLD DICK THE NEW DICK 

the police authorities would let me stay 
twenty-four hours and they denied me the 
privilege, so thinking of a friend I had in 
better days, I called on Mr. Melvin E. 
Stone and asked him if he would help me 



( 65 ) 



I 



to get work, I was tired of a crooked life. 
He laughed at the idea of my working and 
said, 'Dick, you have been a crooked man 
too long.' I said, 'Mr. Stone, did I ever 
tell you a lie/ and he answered, 'No.' Then 
I said, 'Will you take my word as a man 
now? I want to go to work.' Just then 
Mr. H. H. Kohlsaat came into the room 
and took a seat by me, and Mr. Stone in- 
troduced me to him as his criminal friend, 
Dick Lane, and said, 'Mr. Kohlsaat, will 
you put Dick to work for me as I am going 
out of the city?' Mr. Kohlsaat replied 
'yes.' I called on him the next day and 
with my promise to him I would be on the 
square, he put me to work and for the past 
eight years I have been in his employ and 
am now a trusted employe as the receiv- 
ing clerk for the Record-Herald. 

"After being in his employ about a 
week, I was passing by the Pacific Garden 
Mission, heard the singing and thought out 
of curiosity I would go in and see what was 



( 66 ) 



. :. ., ■. /lii 'ili'U iOl'lV!.- ■'[■■■ •■-- '■"•■ ' ''■• ■■' ■':■■ • • ■" ■ .- 



going on. I had never been in such a place 
before. Had heard preaching in different 
penitentiaries, but the testimonies of men 
who had led a similar life impressed me, 
and when a nice looking man testified from 
the platform, I recognized him as a man 
that had served time with me at Jackson, 
Michigan, prison, and I knew he was on 
the square and must be telling the truth, so 
when the invitation for prayer was given, 
I raised my hand before I knew it, and was 
overpersuaded to go forward for prayer 
and when kneeling at the altar told the Lord 
'if he would help me on to a better life, I 
would try to help myself,' and from that 
time the covenant has been mutually kept 
and here I am today, with renewed age, 
and God's blessing all these years has made 
me a happy and prosperous man." 

Dick Lane. 

The record of this remarkable life has 
been a marvel to the world, and is a living 
witness of the power of the gospel. 

( 67 ) 



AT REST 



On March 20, 1913, our belover Brother, 
Richard Lane passed to his final rest. 

Of all the converts of Pacific Garden 
Mission perhaps none has ever stood more 
firmly and been more loyal to his. Master's 
cause, than our Brother Dick Lane. 

Considering the former years of his life 
and with the many testing to contend with, 
he always stood as a firm soldier for his 
Master and it could be well said, an honor 
to his profession, with an influence that 
made him a living miracle of God's grace. 

He fought a good fight and was vic- 
torious to the end. He is now resting from 
his labors and has merited the Master's 
applaudit, "Well done, faithful servant." 



( 68 ) 



1 'Sunshine Harris' ' 

"Praise the Lord! 212 weeks Friday 
night since I bowed at that altar, just to 
think, after 71 years of a sinful life, hav- 




ing sworn I would never bow my knee to 
prince, potentate or power. Infidel all my 
life, denying the existence of a God, ridi- 

( 69 ) 












culing everything that was good, would 
never go near a church unless compelled 
to for a funeral, left home because I was 
such a disgrace to my family and became 
a wanderer on the face of the earth, not 
caring what became of me, defying the 
Almighty to destroy my existence, and 
nothing too low for me to do. After 
drinking for over 50 years, going down 
to the lowest depths, became such a slave 
to tobacco that I would pick up stubs in the 
street to satisfy the awful craving. In 
this condition I used to come in the Mis- 
sion where the dear Old Colonel would 
plead with me, so drunk and abusive, I 
wonder they did not put me out, and used 
to say I would never go in there again; 
but the next night would find me back in 
the same old place, till finally on the 4th of 
August, 1899, I went and bought me a 
Testament, not knowing why I did it, and 
the first thing my eyes fell upon was, 'thou 












J 









m 



fool, 'this night thy soul will be required 
of thee.' That made me mad — and I laid it 
down. Then I thought I would read it 
again, but could not find it so had to com- 
mence at the beginning and read until I 
did. Finally one night I said to God, T 
am going to the mission tonight and if you 
will help me, I will raise my hand for 
prayer. When the invitation was given I 
looked at one hand and it was so black and 
sinful, and then at the other and that was 
just as bad, so I raised both hands and 
was assisted by a Christian lady to the 
altar, and when I called upon the Lord he 
heard my cry, and the load of sin moun- 
tain high rolled off, and I rose to my feet 
and exclaimed, 'Thanks be to God for his 
unspeakable gift, and for Pacific Garden 
Mission.' j 

"I went to my room that night, which 
was a regular curiosity shop, and such a 
house-cleaning as I had. Whisky, beer 

( 71 ) 



J 






bottles, pipes, tobacco, cards, — all went out 
of the window, and now in their place is 
an open Bible. O praise the Lord, what a 
change." 



This dear brother's life has been so full 
of sunshine and so consistent, that it has 
been an inspiration to all who know him, 
and we pray that he may let his light shine 
brighter and brighter until the perfect day. 






( 72 ) 



AT REST 

Sunshine Harris, in many respects the 
most wonderful trophy of God's grace in 
the history of the Mission, went to his re- 
ward June 10, 1907. He loved everybody 
and everybody loved him. 

The silver cord is broken, earth is poorer, 
Heaven enriched by the presence of our 
beloved brother. Loving hearts and willing 
hands made his last days happy and peace- 
ful. His was a victorious exit. As the end 
approached, his faith in God was an anchor 
to the soul, "both sure and steadfast." 
When asked what message he had to leave 
to his friends, he brightened up, and in his 
cheerful, optimistic manner said : "Tell 
them at the Mission I am going home to 
glory in the good, old-fashioned way." 

He was borne lovingly to his last resting 
place, beneath a cluster of evergreen trees, 
at Elburn, 111., at the home of his brother, 
and as we consigned him to Mother Earth 
we felt, indeed, we had laid to rest a sacred 
treasure. 
"We shall meet, but we shall miss him : 
There is now a vacant chair. 

He has gone to be with Jesus, 
In that land so bright and fair." 

( 73 ) 








Mr. John Callahan, Sup't Hadley 

Rescue Hall, 293 Bowery, 

New York City 









( 74 ) 












What a sad confession to make. From 
childhood up my career had been that of 
a criminal — when but a lad was arrest- 
ed in New York city, sent to reformatory, 
from which I made my escape, done time 
again, drifted to Chicago and fell in with 
the toughest gang on the West Side, 
which caused the Desplaines street police 
more trouble than perhaps any crook in 
that part of the city. 

It is the old story — "the way of the 
transgressor is hard." Was again arrest- 
ed, sent to the Cook county jail to await 
my trial. W^hile there Mrs. Clarke, in her 
visiting, came to my cell. I shall never 
forget that day. My cell-mate, Butch 
Lyon, jumped on the top bunk and gave 
me the laugh ; he would not allow this 
angel of mercy to talk to him, and a short 
time after was hung. Thank God I lis- 
tened to what this good woman had to 
say about Jesus, and there on my knees 



( 75 ) 



prayed the best I knew how that God 
would have mercy upon me and save me. 
I was sent to Joliet, but the seed was 
sown that under more favorable circum- 
stances, resulted in taking a decided stand 
for Christ. 

I went to Minneapolis and one night 
went into a mission ; then and there made 
up my mind to give my life to Christ. I 
had formerly tended bar in that place and 
the police knew I was crooked and did 
not take any stock in my purpose to do 
right, but God was on my side, and after 
many persecutions and severe tests of 
faith, demonstrating to them a power had 
come in my life, for I engaged in honest 
employment and casting my lot with the 
people of God, began giving my . testi- 
mony in the jail, on the street and in the 
churches, and now, thank God, after sev- 
eral years of Christian work, have been 
honored with the position of superinten- 
dent of this Rescue Mission. 

( 76 ) 



■■■■■■■■■■■■ 



A Late Arrival 




Robert Atkinson 

A diamond in the rough, plucked 
from the scums of Chicago some 19 
years ago, now a missionary in 
Japan, called by them, the natives, 
the "Muler of Japan." 



( 77 ) 



N. B. — It will be observed there 
has been no eulogies given to any 
of the converts. So much exagera- 
tion is indulged in at the present 
time I dare not license my pen for 
any comments. 



( 78 ) 






Retrospection 

Just one glimpse backward to the 
birthplace of the Old Missions, sends 
a thrill of thanksgiving for what 
God hath wrought all these years. 

As a pebble dropped in the ocean 
causes a ripple that never ceases to 
lose its momentum, so Pacific Gar- 
den Mission has set in motion influ- 
ences reaching to the end of the 
earth. 

It has been a fruitful vine of God's 
right hand planting, yielding pre- 
cious fruit for His Heavenly King- 
dom. 



( 79 ) 




3 



loved the worlltl 



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believe! h on f 
have ever la sUng 




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